Stress is something we all experience from time to time, although some people experience more stress than others. Defining stress can be quite complicated. For starters, stress can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the severity and situation. For example, acute stress can increase energy levels and concentration to finish a specific task. On the other hand, chronic stress has been found to negatively affect one’s physical and mental health.
Additionally, excessive stress can increase a person’s risk for developing unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drinking, smoking, gambling, shopping, self-harm, or emotional eating. While there are a variety of stress management strategies available, sometimes seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended.
Working with a psychiatrist can help you identify stressors, reduce stress, and address other mental health conditions that may be contributing to your stress.
Did You Know?
Although stress is a natural part of life, prolonged stress can cause a variety of mental and physical health issues. Some of the more serious consequences of prolonged stress include hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, insomnia, self-soothing with drugs or alcohol, migraine headaches, chronic pain, loss of enjoyment in social activities, weight gain or trouble losing weight, heart attack, and stroke.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You may be a candidate for stress management treatment if you have been experiencing physical, mental, and emotional symptoms of stress that are affecting your everyday life. Such symptoms can include:
- Acne or breakouts
- Anger
- Apathy
- Anxiety
- Body pain
- Compulsions or addictions
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Food and eating issues
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Stomachaches
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal ideation
While this list represents some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with stress, there may be other symptoms that you are experiencing as well. If you feel like you are struggling to manage your stress levels, schedule a consultation with our psychiatrists at Florida Family Psychiatry today.
There is no single test to determine if stress is causing harm to your mental and physical well-being. In your evaluation at Florida Family Psychiatry, you can expect to have a physical exam, discuss your medical history, explain your symptoms, and discuss how long the symptoms have been present. You may also be asked about how you currently manage your stress and if you have any healthy or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Depending on your individual case, you may also be screened for certain mental health conditions that could be causing and/or exacerbating your stress.
Treatment for stress management generally involves a combination of talk therapy and medication. Talk therapy can help you identify and limit sources of stress, while also teaching you strategies to help you manage your stress levels more effectively and without the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms. In the case that there is another mental health condition contributing to your problems with stress, talk therapy can also provide you with information on living with that condition. Medications may also be used to help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of stress/ anxiety and to promote relaxation.
Podcasts:
Books
Disclaimer:
Some of the contents on this Florida Family Psychiatry (FFP) webpage were sourced from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the National Institute of Mental Health, and their affiliates. The content on this page should be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. FFP has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content on this website. However, the information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind.
FFP does not accept any liability or responsibility for the content, accuracy, completeness, reliability or legality of the content on this website. FFP does not endorse or recommend any products or services. Additionally, external parties may not use any information on this website for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
